The Indian golden oriole (Oriolus kundoo) is a species of oriole found in the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia [1]. Although this bird is found across India, it is one of the common bird spotted by birders in Konkan and Thane region of Maharashtra. The local name for this bird is Haldya in Marathi and Peelak in Hindi.
The looks of Indian golden oriole (Oriolus kundoo) are similar to Eurasian golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus) but both are considerd as different species. However, they belong to same family – Oriolidae. Males of this family are typically black and yellow or black and orange. Females are plainer with lighter shades [2].
The beauty of the Indian golden oriole (male) lies in its color combination of black and yellow. The other body parts such as pink beak, reddish eyes and black eye stripe makes it more attractive and photogenic. Female oriole are rarely visible. Their lighter green shade and plain looks makes it more difficult to spot them.
In India, these birds are generally found on trees such as fig, banyan and peepal. They keep hoping around for fruits and insects on these trees. Their melodious sound/call catches your attention if you are passing across these trees.
The same melodious call attracted me to spot these birds and find more about them. Here are some beautiful moments of these birds captured by me in Radhanagar area of Kalyan (West), Maharashtra.
References:
1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_golden_oriole
2. https://www.britannica.com/animal/oriole
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